How to Calculate Kinetic Energy
What is Kinetic Energy?
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on both mass and velocity — doubling the mass doubles kinetic energy, but doubling the velocity quadruples it.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1KE = ½mv²
- 2m = mass in kg, v = velocity in m/s
- 3KE is in joules (J)
Worked Examples
Input
1 kg at 10 m/s
Result
50 J
½ × 1 × 100 = 50 J
Input
1,500 kg car at 30 m/s (108 km/h)
Result
675,000 J = 675 kJ
½×1500×900
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